Cradled in the lap of lofty mountains on the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway, 52 km before Badrinath, Joshimath is a small town placed at the height of 6,150 meters by the side of Alakananda River. It’s a nodal point in the journey to Badrinath where weary pilgrims can seek one night’s refuge before completing rest of their pilgrimage to the temple of Badrivishal. However, the prime attraction of this place is Auli – a lush green meadow 16 km away from Joshimath at the height of 2,790 meters. In winter the greenery of the glade hides beneath the thick layers of white snow and Auli turns into playground of sports and adventure enthusiasts, Indian and foreigners alike. Other times of the year Auli wraps herself in satin green drapes and sits pretty encircled by the famous peaks of Garhwal and Kumayun Himalayas – Nandadevi, Dunagiri, Nandakot, Hati, Ghora, Nar, Kamet, Kakbhusundi, and others – arranged in half–circle at the north. Climbing up a few kilometers along the serpentine hilly roads from Joshimath towards Auli one can gradually see the mountain ranges standing in a row afar. The sides of the winding pathway are covered with groves of oak and birch trees.

Reaching Auli from Joshimath is quite simple. The distance of 16 km can be covered either by road or ropeway. Alternatively adventure lovers can trek this way to Auli. For trekkers the distance comes down to 10 km. Jeeps and private cars are available for the journey.

The whole of winter is skiing season.

Government Accommodation

Tourist Rest House
Garhwal Mondal Vikas Nigam, (Old) Joshimath
Tel: (01389) 222118
Rent: Double-bedroom AC costs Rs. 1,100/-; double-bedroom deluxe costs Rs. 500/-; double-bedroom economy costs Rs. 400/-; dormitory Rs. 100 per bed.

Tourist Rest House
Garhwal Mondal Vikas Nigam, (New) Joshimath
Tel: (01389)222226
Rent: Double-bedroom deluxe costs Rs 600/-; family suite costs Rs. 600/-; double-bedroom economy costs Rs. 500/-; dormitory Rs. 100 per bed.

Tourist Rest House
Garhwal Mondal Vikas Nigam, Auli
Tel: (01389)223208, 223305
Rent: Double-bedroom deluxe costs Rs. 1,100–1,500/-; family suite costs Rs. 1,400–1,700/-; double-bedroom but costs Rs. 800–900/-; dormitory Rs. 120–150/- per bed.


Kedarnath–Badrinath Temple Committee Dharmsala
Tel: (01389) 222083

To book rooms in Kedarnath–Badrinath Temple Committee Dharmsala anywhere in Garhwal district contact

Publicity Office
Kedarnath–Badrinath Temple Committee
Rishihesh: (0135) 249201
Uttarakhand: (0135) 2430261 (telefax)
Email: admin@badrikedar.org
pramod@badrikedar.org
Website: www.badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in


Private Accommodation in Jashimath

Jyoti Lodge
Tel: (01389) 222123

Zongri
Tel: (01389) 222221

Kamet
Tel: (01389) 222155

Nandadevi
Tel: (01389) 222123

Sri Ram
Tel: (01389) 222332

Udaya Palace
Tel: (01389) 222004

Nilkantha, Kailash, Anada, Shivlok are some other hotels worth mentioning.

There are some extremely posh and expensive private resorts in Auli. Cliftop is one of them.

Those who do not wish to stay at Auli, can arrange for accommodation in Joshimath and make a to and fro journey to Auli.

Joshimath–Auli Ropeway Service

This unique ropeway service covers a distance of 16 km from Joshimath to Auli. The journey begins in a glass-covered cable car from Joshimath to Godson Bugiyale. From there the rest of the journey till Auli will be in an open chairlift. In the first phase the cable fare is Rs. 300/- per head during May and June and Rs. 200/- in rest of the year. For the second phases the fare is Rs. 200/- per head. The rides are free for children below 5 years of age. During winter from January to March the fare for ski-lift is Rs. 50/- per trip. During May to October the ropeway is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:50 p.m. and during November to April it is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:10 p.m. The service remains closed from 5 April to 30 April every year.